Republika Srpska has begun the formal celebration of Republika Srpska Day and its 33rd anniversary under the slogan “Born for Eternity.” The festivities will last for three days.
Key Events and Arrivals
15:20 – A 200-meter-long and 7-meter-wide flag of Republika Srpska was unfurled along the street leading to Novi Zejtinlik.
15:10 – Serbian government ministers, who will attend the celebration, landed at Banja Luka Airport.
14:45 – Serb Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Republika Srpska.
14:33 – Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević arrived in Mahovljani, where he was welcomed at the airport by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Radovan Višković. Vučević will take part in today’s celebrations.
Statements from Officials and Experts
Miloš Šolaja, professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Banja Luka, stated on RTRS’s Open Program that dates like these gain significance when observed regularly each year.
- We must continually emphasize statehood. Republika Srpska was once fully sovereign, although unrecognized. Today, it has international recognition within Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are many who wish to see Srpska lose its institutional role within BiH – Šolaja said.
Lučiano Kaluža, an expert in international relations, highlighted the importance of Republika Srpska’s equality in the region and Europe to fully participate in legal processes.
- It is important to preserve this date as part of our culture and tradition. The main message of this day is to ensure future generations have a peaceful future, guaranteed by Republika Srpska – Kaluža stated.
Tributes and Memorials
Earlier today, Republika Srpska officials laid wreaths at several memorial sites:
- Monument to Fallen Soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska
- Square of Fallen Soldiers of the National Liberation War (NOR)
- Memorial Ossuary
- Memorial to the Twelve Banja Luka Babies
Officials emphasized that the sacrifices made for the creation of Republika Srpska were not in vain.
Source: RTRS
